They started the day quietly in the rich, fall air of Tennessee, soaking up the warmth of the sun working against the brisk November air. Alexia and Andrew made coffee just as the sun was rising over the Tennessee Mountains and quietly packed a lunch to picnic in the field.

Alexia thrifted her wedding dress for seven dollars at Goodwill and wanted to barrow my black pair of dress cowboy boots so she didn’t have to buy a pair for just one day. I love when my clients want to focus on their elopements being eco-friendly and not wasteful. If you’re interested in your ceremony being more earth-friendly just let me know and we can consult on a few different ideas. Here are some resources I really love using to remind me of some guidelines for an eco-friendly elopement:

Eco-Friendly Elopement

Leave No Trace

Earth Friendly

Andrew grew up riding horses so we wanted to incorporate horses in some capacity, so we started the day out at a horse rescue in Murfeesboro where they could love on some rescue horses and picnic before we headed to the back field to change, preform the ceremony, before having their own private first dance, and sitting together as the sun began to set. Check out the first part of their elopement and some more info on horse sanctuaries and rescues.

After they changed they stood side by side and walked slowly around the field, sharing ideas about the future, plans, and goals- But, I prompted them to talk about the tiny, little moments they shared, their favorite things about each other. They whispered quietly, giggled in-between neck kisses, and held onto each other to soak up warmth.

They opted for a small ceremony speaking their own, private vows, creating an emotional, spiritual bond with each other. Later, they’ll head to the courthouse to sign the paperwork and fill out a few documents, but for today they wanted to focus on privacy, on connection, and on trust. With me as their only guest rather than adding any additional witnesses or an officiant.

Then we used a blue tooth speaker I always bring with me to play a few songs so they could have their first dance. Then they took a moment to tend to each other. Andrew played with Alexia’s hair, gently braiding it and twisting it around his fingers. She sleepily leaned into the care before letting Andrew lay down and brushing his hair, tracing his face, and matching their breathing.

If you’re interested in an adventure elopement anywhere in the US holler at me! I might be TN based, but I travel anywhere the wind blows!

I’m KB. I have a slow, honest approach that holds experiences over products. I’ve been an artist all my life, and a photographer for over eight years. I have my BFA in fine art and have won multiple photography awards- but I’m not really all about that official, notoriety bullshit. I’m a born and raised Appalachian, Tennessean, Southern, homegrown gal trying her best to understand the world and the people around me. I’m searching for truth and love and adventure and reason- and, I want you to come with me. I want to meet you, know you, love you, share with you. 

My Bucket List Locations Around the US for elopements:

Matanuska-Susitna, Alaska

Kobuck Valley, Alaska

Marfa, TX

Red River Gorge, KY

White Fish, MT

Rifle Falls, CO

Goblin Valley State Park , UT